To what extent can wineries control the quality of the grapes they purchase? (2021, Q5) Flashcards
Essay: To what extent can wineries control the quality of the grapes they purchase? (2021, Q5)
What is the plan?
Intro
1/ Long term contracts
2/ Direct oversight, technical and educational support
3/ strict sorting and traceability
Conclusion
Essay: To what extent can wineries control the quality of the grapes they purchase?
Sum-up the introduction in 4 bullet points.
*owned-vineyards = control quality.
*purchased grapes = risk of lower quality
*Reduced control on vineyard management
*In this essay: assess control over purchased grape quality.
Essay: To what extent can wineries control the quality of the grapes they purchase? (2021, Q5)
What is the tittle of the first part? Sum it up in 6 bullet points. Includes one example.
1/ Long-term contracts
• Avoid open market = no control on grape quality.
• Long-term contracts = set clear quality standards.
• Secure price = reduce market fluctuation risks.
• Define viticultural practices (e.g., organic/biodynamic, appellation spec etc).
• Champagne Maisons (e.g., Perrier-Jouët) use this system.
• Incentives: reward quality over volume.
Essay: To what extent can wineries control the quality of the grapes they purchase? (2021, Q5)
What is the tittle of the second part? Sum it up in 7 bullet points. Two wineries used as examples.
2/ Direct oversight, technical, and educational support
•Wineries deploy experts to assist growers.
•Direct oversight and follow-ups on practices & timing. What, When, How
•Example: Perrier-Jouët helps partners shift to sustainable viticulture.
•Provide precision tools & vineyard tech.
•Train/upskill growers & workers (education).
•Cellar masters visit vineyards (e.g., Frerson, Putzu) = monitor maturity & set harvest path.
•Help secure skilled labor during shortages.
Essay: To what extent can wineries control the quality of the grapes they purchase? (2021, Q5)
What is the tittle of the third part? Sum it up in 6 bullet points.
3/ Strict sorting and traceability
•Final control = sorting at winery.
•Reject grapes below quality standard.
•Follow contract specs or advertised criteria in the cased of grapes not under contract.
•Incentivize quality over volume at reception.
•Use traceability to identify strong/weak suppliers.
•Sorting safeguards grape quality before vinification.
Essay: To what extent can wineries control the quality of the grapes they purchase? (2021, Q5)
Sum-up the conclusion in 7 bullet points.
•Define clear quality criteria in contracts.
•Incentivize quality over volume.
•Deploy experts to oversee vineyard work.
•Promote education & skills improvement.
•Sort grapes at winery = final quality check.
•Full control impossible without ownership.
•Trust & grower relationship = key to success.
What is the main thesis of the essay on how wineries can control the quality of purchased grapes?
Wineries can influence grape quality through long-term contracts, vineyard oversight, and rigorous selection methods, but they remain dependent on grower decisions, climate conditions, and market factors.
How do long-term contracts help wineries control grape quality?
Contracts specify grape variety, ripeness levels (°Brix), acidity, and harvest timing, ensuring growers meet the winery’s standards
How do Champagne houses (Négociant Manipulants) ensure high grape quality?
They establish strict contracts with growers, requiring compliance with specific vineyard practices and grape quality parameters
What are the limitations of contracts in controlling grape quality?
Contracts cannot prevent weather-related losses, disease outbreaks, or labor shortages, which may impact grape quality despite agreed standards (
Why do some wineries provide direct vineyard oversight?
By employing viticulturists or consultants, wineries can monitor vineyard practices, advise growers, and ensure compliance with quality protocols
How do wineries influence vineyard practices for better grape quality?
They offer technical support, training, and audits, requiring growers to follow specific pruning, irrigation, and canopy management techniques
Why can grower independence limit winery control over grape quality?
Many growers supply multiple buyers, prioritizing higher yields or cost efficiency over strict quality protocols
How do wineries assess grape maturity before harvest?
Wineries conduct pre-harvest assessments, measuring sugar levels (°Brix), acidity, and phenolic ripeness, allowing them to delay picking if needed
What role does grape sorting play in quality control?
Wineries use manual or mechanical sorting to remove underripe, diseased, or damaged grapes, ensuring only high-quality fruit is used
Why do some wineries reject entire grape lots?
If grapes fail to meet contractual standards, wineries may reject the delivery, though this can lead to financial and supply challenges
How does satellite imaging improve grape quality monitoring?
Remote sensing and vineyard software track vine health, ripeness, and disease outbreaks, allowing wineries to intervene early
What are the key ways wineries can control grape quality? (Hint: 4 factors)
• Contracts set clear quality expectations.
• Vineyard oversight influences grower decisions.
• Grape selection ensures only quality fruit is used.
• Technology enhances monitoring and traceability.
Why is winery control over grape quality never absolute?
Wineries remain vulnerable to grower independence, climate variability, and logistical challenges, despite their quality control efforts.
What is the ultimate factor in determining how much control a winery has over grape quality?
The strength of relationships with growers, precision of selection processes, and ability to adapt to vineyard conditions determine winery control over grape quality.
